Vintage Secrets

By Alvina Worrell

In the high-class vineyards of Napa Valley, a murder darkens the wine competition. As ambition runs similar to good wine in this place, Mesley Anderson who made his empire from nothing is found dead and suspects are as numerous as the valley.

Rival winery owners, Fernando Rodrigo and Melissa Fantino, each harboring their own secrets and motives, become entangled in a web of suspicion. While Detective Mideva Romarino investigates more deeply, she finds out about a history of sabotage, illicit affairs, and a ruthless pursuit of victory at any cost.

Every twist and turn makes it harder to tell who is a friend or enemy, as the peaceful front of the winemaking group falls apart. In this world where power and respect can be like a drug, will we uncover what's true about the murder? Or will it stay hidden under these grapevines?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alvina Worrell
• Release date: May 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224667536

Book preview

Prologue

Mesley Anderson was standing between many rows of green grapevines, looking at the growing grapes very closely as if he couldn't think about anything else. The strong sunshine was warm on his wide shoulders, making long shadows over the neatly kept grass and the big house with old-fashioned architecture that stood behind him. His suit was made to fit, sticking close to his slim body while he walked with the elegance that comes from being used to giving orders.

His hair, turning gray, was combed smoothly backwards and his distinct facial traits were marked with focus lines. Mesley was a man compelled by an intense resolve to create the ideal vintage for the respected wine contest. He created Anderson Vineyards starting from nothing, and because of his success, people in the local wine community respected him a lot. But achieving his goals came with some sacrifices.

Mesley had a complicated personal life with many secrets and memories from the past that troubled him. His marriage gave him strength, yet it also showed him the things he had given up to follow his dreams. While he leaned over to look closely at a group of grapes and touched their thin skins with his fingers, he took a short time to think back.

The vineyard was the work of his life, and he would do anything to make sure it succeeded. Mesley's gaze moved upwards towards the big house where he thought his wife was probably getting ready for the day. He was aware that he could depend on her, just like how he was certain of his trust in the ground under his feet.

After a last contented look at the grapes, Mesley stood up and started to walk back to the big house because he had tasks awaiting him with no moments to spare. The competition was fast approaching, and preparations had to be made. His eyes were on the prize and he could not allow his competitors to deny him.

As Mesley walked, many thoughts about the future event were running through his head. He was aware that the judges would be strict and they would examine every part of his wine very closely. He had trust in his skills and the excellence of what he created. He was determined not to disappoint them.

Mesley walked into the large home, his steps making sounds on the shiny wooden floor. He listened to the noise from the kitchen where pots and pans were being used by his wife and workers as they got ready for their daily tasks. He walked up the big stairs, looking straight at the reward that was waiting for him.

The esteemed wine contest not only challenged his winemaking abilities but also examined the strength of his character. Mesley, driven by strong ambition, was determined to reach his objectives without limits. He understood the path in front would not be easy, with many hurdles and tests to face; yet he was prepared. He was Mesley Anderson, and he would not be denied.

In the tasting room with not much light, Mesley Anderson was in charge. The walls had shelves full of his best wines, and the labels shined a little in the gentle lighting. The space was buzzing with the sound of talk and the noise of glasses touching as Mesley's visitors tried out his new wines.

Mesley was standing at the front of the room, looking over all the faces there. He had a strong appearance, with his well-fitting suit and sense of control making him look very powerful. People in the local wine community knew him as someone to respect, even if he was very strict, and you could see his guests thought very highly of him.

When Mesley started his talk, he spoke with confidence that showed he was familiar with speaking to many people. He talked with a lot of feeling about the vineyard, how carefully he grew the grapes and the detailed method he followed to make his prize-winning wines. His speech was filled with feelings of pride and success, and his listeners paid close attention to everything he said.

Mesley filled a glass with his main wine, a deep and robust red which has received many prizes. He gave the glass to an important wine reviewer, who rotated it in his hand before tasting. The reviewer's eyes opened wider, showing he liked it, and he moved his head up and down to agree. This made more people think Mesley was very good at making wine.

As the night progressed, Mesley kept entertaining his guests with tales from when he worked in the wine business and offered them his knowledge about how to make wine. It was obvious that he had a magnetic personality and knew just how to keep everyone focused on him.

When the tasting ended, Mesley expressed gratitude to his visitors for their presence and suggested they explore the vineyard. As people started leaving the room,  Mesley approached his assistant who was occupied with tidying up the glasses and pouring water into them.

Mesley spoke in a hushed tone, We performed good this evening. The critics have much influence and their support is important for the success or failure of a wine business. We need to ensure that they continue to sing our praises."

His assistant agreed with a nod, knowing how crucial it was for them to keep their good name in the challenging winemaking industry. Mesley understood what success required and he would do all that was necessary to make sure his vineyard stayed ahead of others.

After the final guest departed from the tasting area, Mesley inhaled deeply and gave himself time for feeling pleased. He put much effort into making his vineyard a successful business, and his aim was to maintain its success. After one last look at the many bottles on the shelves, Mesley walked out of the tasting room, prepared for any difficulties that might come his way.

In the office, Mesley was sitting at his desk and closely looking at many sales numbers. The smell of old leather filled the space and there was a quiet noise from a fire burning. Mesley's workspace showed the achievement he had because there were many prizes on the shelves and pictures with well-known people from the wine business.

Wallace  Mannings, the winemaker whom  relies on, came into the room with his walking sounds bouncing off the shiny wooden floor. He walked up to where Mesley works and had a grave look on his face.

Mesley, it is necessary for us to speak about the contest, Wallace spoke with a quiet voice. Rodrigo and Fantino, they are making their preparations so that they may become strong contenders. We can't afford to fall behind."

Mesley raised his gaze from the sales numbers, eyes becoming a little tighter. I know that, Wallace. But we've been ahead of them for years. We'll continue to be.

Wallace gave a nod, however, his face still showed worry. "I